October 14, 2008 - Electronic Arts has provided IGN with the inside scoop on tomorrow's official announcement of its partnership with Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. Blue Ribbon will be providing team scouting reports and team ratings for EA Sports' college basketball videogame, NCAA Basketball 09, which is scheduled for release on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Playstation 2 consoles on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook has been the leader in compiling accurate scouting reports on college basketball teams for the last 28 years, and EA Sports will utilize its scouting reports and data to drive NCAA Basketball 09.

"We are always looking at new ways to create a more authentic gameplay experience for our fans and this new partnership with a recognized industry leader is significant," said Peter Moore, President, EA Sports. "This partnership enables us to replicate with precision the playing style of every Division I school in NCAA Basketball 09 this year."

NCAA Basketball 09 introduces a new, strategic gameplay feature that challenges gamers to replicate their school's style of play and set the game tempo to enhance their chances of winning. Whether your school pushes the ball in transition, runs a half-court offense that utilizes the clock and limits possessions or features a balanced attack that combines transition offense with set plays, NCAA Basketball 09 rewards the strategic gamer by emphasizing team specific styles of play. In addition, NCAA Basketball 09 will feature Division I coaches in-game for the first time, providing real time instruction and feedback, helping players control the tempo by executing their team's offense and defense to perfection.

"The partnership between EA Sports and Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook will bring a level of realism never before experienced while playing NCAA Basketball 09," said Chris Dortch, Editor, Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. "Because for the last 28 years, when college coaches begin the process of scouting their opponents, the first resource they turn to is Blue Ribbon. To have that sort of resource-- which coaches all around the country have come to rely upon--available in NCAA Basketball 09 is unprecedented..."

Check out full story and Q&A HERE from IGN.





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